SYMBOLISM Spirals - Cyclic structure - Pulling Scottie and viewers down a spiral - Examples - Music in the opening is a loop aka a spiral - Many spirals appear in the opening - Magdalene’s hair is tied into a spiral bun - The staircase that Scottie climbs up is a spiral Eyes - - Things are not as they seem - Scottie’s perception of heights - Story themed around deception Viewing people through different lens - To Scottie Midge seems insignificant but to Midge Scottie is everything - Misogyny -> Women are people but are seen as objects by the people in the film either to be worshipped for their looks and (fake) airs or ignored and cast aside Colours Green: Paranormal, deceit, lies, fantasy, ghosts, apparitions Red: Passion, danger FRAMING Left to right -> truth Right to left -> lie Example: Scottie is constantly on the right -> refusal to accept he is in a lie and failing after the Officer down scene -> tries to be Magdalene’s hero even if he isn't a heroic figure However when he accepts Elster’s request he is on the left -> detective in search for TRUTH Magdalene always on the left side of the film and is always seen through Scottie’s eyes -> Scottie is on the right looking towards the left -> Scottie is watching a lie Moments when the rule is broken and Scottie and Magdalene switch sides are during true romantic moments -> Love is two-sided and emotions are real Midge always on left -> grounded truth Scottie and Judy share the right side of the frame on their first date -> They are all living in a lie
